Celebrate freedom

Ferron hosts patriotic program

Ferron City presented their third annual field of flags program during their recent Peach Days celebration. Mayor JoAnn Behling welcomed everyone to the sunrise service. She encouraged everyone to remember what the flag of the United States stands for and to remember the veterans who served in the wars as well as those who died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Lou Sansevero presented a flag ceremony where each of the flags of the Armed Forces were presented. He said, "Presenting the colors of the United States Army is Cpl. Clifford Snow. The United States Army is the direct descendant of the 10 companies of expert rifleman raised by the Second Continental Congress to serve for one year, until the first of July 1776. The Continental Army was quickly disbanded at the end of the Revolution as part of the American distrust of standing armies, and irregular state militias became the new nation's sole ground army. The United States Army was created on June 3, 1784 by the Congress of the Confederation, the predecessor of the United States Congress. The Army's motto is Hanc Defendemus - 'this we'll defend'. Cpl. Snow post your colors.

"Presenting the colors of the United States Navy is Petty Officer Second Class George Hendrickson. The United States Navy traces its roots to an act of the Second Continental Congress which authorized the fitting of two sailing vessels with 10 cannons, swivel guns and to be manned by crews of 80 men on Oct. 13, 1775. The Continental Navy was disbanded in 1790 and the United States Navy was established in March 27, 1794 when the construction of six naval frigates was authorized by Congress. Although the United States Navy has never adopted an official motto, Semper Fortis, 'Always Courageous' is accepted. Petty Officer Hendrickson post your colors.

"Presenting the colors of the United States Marine Corps is Lance Cpl. Lon DeLange. The United States Marine Corps is the direct descendant of the Continental Marines Corps formed when the Second Continental Congress charged Capt. Samuel Nicholas to form two battalions of Marines on Nov. 10, 1775. After their service in the Revolutionary War the Continental Marine Corps was disbanded in April 1783. On July 11, 1798 Congress created the institution of the United States Marine Corps although Marines had been enlisted by the War Department as early as August 1797. The Marine Corps motto is Semper Fidelis - 'Always Faithful.' Lance Cpl. DeLange post your colors.

"Presenting the colors of the United States Coast Guard is Petty Officer First Class Jeff Horrocks. The United States Coast Guard is the direct descendent of the Revenue Cutter Service which was founded by act of Congress Aug. 4, 1790. From 1790, when theÂ Continental NavyÂ was disbanded, to 1798, when theÂ United States Navy was created, the Revenue Cutter Service provided the only armed American presence on the sea. The modern Coast Guard was established Jan. 28, 1915, 'to be a military service and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at all times.' It's motto is Semper Paratus - 'Always Ready.' Petty Officer Horrocks post your colors.

"Presenting the colors of the United State Air Force is Lt. Colonel John Aragon. The United States Air Force is the direct descendant of the Aeronautical Division of the United States Army Signal Corps formed Aug. 1, 1907. It went through several name changes within the Army from 1907-1947 when on Sept. 18 it became the United States Air Force an independent branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force motto is Aim high, fly, fight, win. Lt. Colonel Aragon post your colors.

"Finally, the standard representing MIAs and POWs from all the branches of the United States Military from all wars is being presented by LaVerna Petersen. The United States Military currently lists 83,000 service personnel as Missing in Action or Prisoners of War from conflicts from World War II to the current actions. Each of these service personnel have had a mother and LaVerna, an American Legion Auxiliary member, represents those mothers who faithfully wait for their child to return. The motto the American people have adopted for our MIAs and POWs is Never Forget. LaVerna post your colors.

"Ladies and gentlemen these are the standards of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, may the God of heaven and earth bless and protect all those who serve or have served under them," said Sansevero.

Nick Behling, recently returned from active duty led the pledge of allegiance.

The program continued with poems by Commissioners James Nelson and Laurie Pitchforth. A ladies choir sang a medley of patriotic songs. A 21 gun salute was presented by Lou Sansevero, Jeff Horrocks, Clifford Snow, Lon DeLange, George Hendrickson, Kent Peterson, and Earl Nelson. The flag bearers (in the color guard) were John Aragon, Don Petersen and Sam Singleton. The color guard commander was Red Hess.

Mayor Behling introduced the Ferron Elementary Liberty kids. They sang the National Anthem and then invited the audience to join them and they sang the National Anthem a second time. The Liberty kids pass special patriotic requirements and challenges to become Liberty kids. They memorize the National Anthem as one of these requirements.